Disabled Persons

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the circulars which he has issued to local authorities in Scotland giving, guidance upon their responsibilities and powers to assist the severely disabled.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have provided telephones for severely disabled people as a result of his circular SW 22/1971 of 12th October, 1971, to local authorities.

The Western Regional Hospital Board has completed initial discussions with the other interested bodies, and hopes soon to appoint a design team for the adult assessment unit at Cowglen Hospital. A start in 1973 is hoped for.

I am listing below a number of recent circulars on this subject. This guidance should assist local authorities in the development of their services for the disabled, in which I expect a substantial improvement in the next few years.

Following is the information:

posals submitted to me was introduced only at the end of 1970. Eleven local authorities submitted to me, before this year, schemes which include the provision of houses for the disabled. None, so far, has submitted plans under Section 3.